Jason Collins and Michael Sam and Jackie Robinson and Brooklyn are emblematic of the courage that is the story behind Black History Month. I could indulge in the morality of homosexuality as a significant aspect of this post. If so many did not consider this a moral issue, this would not be a story. Stripping away the morality divide we find an opportunity to see this story through the lens of history's example.
There was a time when black American's found themselves enraged by the notion that my skin color is an equivalent to your sexual inclinations. Now, the debate over our ability to choose our sexuality is also insignificant with the perfect clarity that we gain from hindsight.
In hindsight we know that my nature, whether chosen or not, is no match to your preconceived bigotry. When Arizona decides to legislate the right of any business in its state to refuse service to gay people, then we return to the day in which restaurants and water fountains have "straight only" signs instead of "white only" signs.
If that doesn't reinforce the importance of legislation against such laws, than I won't try any longer because this post is about the courage of being your authentic self, whatever that may be. Jackie Robinson is more than just an historic figure for integrating baseball. Robinson was the best of his era and one of the best of all time. He could have relegated his talents to the confines of the Negro leagues as other all-time greats had to do. It would have certainly meant less death threats even if less income potential as well. Yet, his risk was a two-fold investment.
The Brooklyn Dodgers and legendary Branch Rickey had to accept the business risk that Robinson represented. The Brooklyn Nets had to do the same with Collins recently as they signed him to a 10 day contract to see if he can help them through a run of injuries. Reports have surfaced that several teams were interested in bringing Collins in during preseason, but were afraid of the media impact.
What very few people knew is that Collins apparently had similar hesitation and refused to go to any team that did not have a serious interest in giving him a REAL chance. Brooklyn reprented the first chance for him to work within a clear professional basketball agreement. Collins made it clear that evern if he never got a job again, he declared, "life has been so good for me since coming out". Onlookers were watchful to see if Collins had gained a couple of extra inches in his vertical jump with the reduced weight on his shoulder.
How you feel about homosexuality should not impact your opinion of Jason Collins the basketball player. If you cheered for his efforts before you knew his truth then keep on cheering. In the end, his game is all that will keep him employed anyway. Jason Collins is not in the NBA to be a pioneer of gay rights. Michael Sam has a similar sentiment.
Like Jackie Robinson, they just need the "You're Not Allowed" signs to be removed.
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